20 Best US National Basketball Team Players of All Time

20 Best US National Basketball Team Players of All Time

An exclusive pantheon of athletes, warriors of the hardwood, who have donned the iconic red, white, and blue jersey of the United States National Basketball Team boast a place in the annals of basketball history.

Envision a mesmerizing display of skills, a dedication that knows no bounds, and an unwavering resolve to represent their country on the grandest stages of global basketball. These athletes have stood toe-to-toe with the world’s finest, cultivating both fierce rivalries and enduring friendships that have enriched the tapestry of the sport.

Still, a lingering question remains: Who are these twenty giants of the game, the paragons of American basketball prowess, whose contributions have not only secured victories but have also elevated the very essence of the sport?

We embark on a journey to unveil the 20 Best US National Basketball Team Players of All Time. These individuals personify the pinnacle of American basketball excellence.

Their narratives serve as a testament to the unyielding spirit of competition, the strength of unity, and the radiant brilliance that defines the legacy of basketball in the United States.

1. Michael Jordan

Gapvenezia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Michael Jordan, an American former professional basketball player and successful entrepreneur, is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player in the history of the sport. Over an impressive fifteen-season career in the NBA, he secured six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.

Jordan’s introduction to the U.S. national basketball team took place at the 1983 Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela, where he led the team in scoring with an average of 17.3 points per game, ultimately clinching the gold medal under the guidance of Jack Hartman.

The subsequent year, he added another gold medal to his achievements at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

In 1992, Jordan played a crucial role on the renowned “Dream Team,” alongside legendary players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. This exceptional team won two gold medals: the first in the 1992 Tournament of the Americas and the second in the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Jordan was the only player to start all eight Olympic games, maintaining an average of 14.9 points per game and finishing as the second-highest scorer on the team.

Throughout the four tournaments he competed in for the United States national team, Jordan remained undefeated, winning all 30 games he participated in.

2. LeBron James

The White House from Washington, DC, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

LeBron James, an American professional basketball player, currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. He is widely recognized as one of the most extraordinary athletes in the sport’s history and often draws comparisons to Michael Jordan in discussions of the greatest basketball player of all time.

James initially represented the United States in basketball at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. However, he had limited playing time, averaging 14.6 minutes per game with 5.8 points and 2.6 rebounds over eight games.

At the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan, James took on a more prominent role for Team USA. The team ended the tournament with an 8–1 record, securing another bronze medal.

In the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, he recorded averages of 18.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. This included an exceptional 31-point performance against Argentina in the championship game, setting a new record for an American in an Olympic qualifier.

Team USA achieved a flawless 10–0 record, earning the gold medal and securing their spot in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

During the Olympics, Team USA remained unbeaten, capturing their first gold medal since 2000.

In the 2012 Olympics in London, England, James achieved a historic milestone by recording the first triple-double in U.S. Olympic basketball history with 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists in a game against Australia.

Team USA subsequently secured their second consecutive gold medal, once again defeating Spain in the final game. James contributed 19 points in the victory, solidifying his position as the all-time leading scorer in U.S. men’s basketball history.

3. Kobe Bryant

Tim Shelby, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kobe Bryant, a celebrated American shooting guard, dedicated his entire 20-year professional basketball career to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. In 2000, he chose not to participate in the Olympics to accommodate his wedding plans during the off-season. Similarly, he opted out of the 2002 FIBA World Championship.

Bryant’s venture into the United States national team began in 2007, making significant contributions to the 2007 USA Men’s Senior National Team and USA FIBA Americas Championship Team, both of which achieved a flawless 10–0 record, secured the gold, and earned qualification for the 2008 Olympics. He played a pivotal role in all 10 FIBA Americas Championship games.

Bryant made his Olympic debut in 2008, leading Team USA to victory with an impressive 20 points, including a remarkable 13 in the fourth quarter, and six assists in the gold medal game against Spain.

This victory marked the first gold medal for the U.S. in a global competition since the 2000 Olympics. Bryant returned for the 2012 Summer Olympics, adding another gold medal to his achievements before choosing to retire from the national team. Over three tournaments, he maintained a flawless record of 26–0, securing a gold medal on each occasion.

4. Shaquille O’Neal

El Gráfico, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Shaquille O’Neal, an American retired professional basketball player and current sports analyst on Inside the NBA, embarked on his national team journey at the 1994 FIBA World Championship, where he was honoured as the Tournament’s MVP.

Guiding Dream Team II to an impeccable 8–0 record, O’Neal averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds, achieving two double-doubles.

In 1996, he split playing time with Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson, starting in three games and posting averages of 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8 blocks. Once again, he clinched a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta with another flawless 8–0 record.

Following this, O’Neal chose not to participate in further international competitions, citing his sense of being overlooked for the 1999 FIBA AmeriCup team as a matter of “lack of respect.” Consequently, he opted out of the 2000 Olympics, 2002 FIBA World Championship, and 2004 Olympics.

5. Magic Johnson

Pablo Grosby, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. transitioned from a former professional basketball player to a prominent American entrepreneur. Widely acclaimed as the greatest point guard in the history of basketball, Johnson enjoyed a remarkable 13-season tenure in the NBA.

He played a pivotal role in the illustrious “Dream Team” that represented the U.S. in the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics, a star-studded ensemble featuring luminaries like Bird, Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley, which was considered unbeatable.

Following their gold medal win in the 1992 Tournament of the Americas, the Dream Team dominated the Olympic competition, securing gold with an impeccable 8–0 record and a staggering average lead of 43.8 points per game against their opponents.

Johnson’s contributions included an average of 8.0 points per game, and he ranked second on the team with 5.5 assists per game.

6. Oscar Robertson

Sport Magazine Archives, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Oscar Palmer Robertson, an American ex-professional basketball player, had stints with the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA.

Following his college career, Robertson, along with Jerry West, served as co-captains for the 1960 U.S. basketball team in the Summer Olympics in Greece. This group acknowledged as one of the most gifted in basketball history at the time, dominated their competition and secured the Olympic gold medal.

Despite initially playing as a forward alongside Terry Dischinger from Purdue, Robertson also took on the responsibilities of a point guard.

He emerged as the team’s top scorer, leading them to victory in all nine games with an average winning margin of 42.4 points. Additionally, Robertson won gold at the 1959 Pan American Games with Team USA.

7. Larry Bird

Steven Carter from Northern New England, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Larry Bird, an American ex-professional basketball player, coach, and NBA executive, joined forces with Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, and other notable NBA stars for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

This historic event represented the first time in U.S. Olympic history that NBA players were part of the national team. The iconic group, famously dubbed the “Dream Team,” clinched the gold medal in men’s basketball.

Throughout eight games, Bird averaged 8.4 points. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame celebrated the team as “the greatest collection of basketball talent on the planet”.

Did you know that Larry Bird is not the only white player to star in basketball? Click here to find out who the 34 other white basketball players have ever graced the hardwood. 

8. Tim Duncan

Keith Allison from Owings Mills, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tim Duncan, a retired American professional basketball player, had an exceptional 19-year career dedicated solely to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA. Widely recognized as the preeminent power forward in basketball history, he is held in high regard as one of the finest players to have graced the NBA.

Duncan played a crucial role in propelling the franchise to success throughout the 2000s and 2010s.

His initial opportunity to represent the national team arose in 1999 when he secured a spot on the Olympic Qualifying Team. Despite an impressive performance, a knee injury thwarted his participation in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where the team he helped qualify remained undefeated.

In 2003, Duncan made significant contributions to the USA team’s qualification for the 2004 Summer Olympics, leading in scoring, rebounding, and field goal percentage.

Although the Olympic team secured a bronze medal, they faced formidable challenges. Duncan was part of five USA Basketball teams, competing in 40 games.

9. John Stockton

All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

John Houston Stockton, an American retired professional basketball player, is highly regarded as one of the premier point guards, players, and playmakers in the history of basketball.

Throughout his entire NBA career, Stockton remained loyal to the Utah Jazz, a span of 19 seasons during which the team consistently made playoff appearances.

Stockton also played a vital role in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, where he was part of a team comprising fellow NBA stars. This marked the first-ever U.S. Olympic team to include NBA players.

Furthermore, Stockton made significant contributions to the 1996 U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team, earning gold medals with both the 1992 and 1996 squads.

10. Stephen Curry

TonyTheTiger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Stephen Curry, an American professional basketball player currently with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, is widely acknowledged for his exceptional shooting skills and is regarded as one of the all-time greats in the sport. He is credited with revolutionizing basketball by advocating for more three-point shots.

Curry’s initial foray into the United States national team was at the 2007 FIBA Under-19 World Championship, where he played a part in Team USA’s achievement of a silver medal.

In 2010, he earned a spot on the senior squad and, although he had limited playing time at the 2010 FIBA World Championship, he contributed to the United States’ gold medal victory in an undefeated tournament.

In 2014, he assumed a more substantial role, aiding in another undefeated tournament victory at the 2014 World Cup and notching 10 points in the final game.

On June 6, 2016, Curry opted to withdraw from consideration for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, citing ankle and knee injuries as the primary factors influencing his decision.

11. Charles Barkley

El Gráfico, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Charles Barkley enjoyed a 16-season tenure in the NBA, playing for three different teams. He represented the United States in both the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games, clinching two gold medals.

During the 1992 Olympics, Barkley excelled with an average of 18.0 points per game, shooting an impressive 71.1% from the field. He even set an Olympic single-game scoring record with 30 points against Brazil.

Barkley also achieved an outstanding three-point field goal percentage of 87.5%, setting a U.S. Men’s Olympic record. Additionally, he contributed 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game.

In the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics, Barkley once again led in scoring, rebounds, and field goal percentage. Guided by his leadership, the team maintained an impeccable 8–0 record, ultimately securing another gold medal.

12. David Robinson

Ken Hackman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

David Maurice Robinson, a retired American professional basketball player, had a tenure with the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA from 1989 to 2003. Alongside his playing career, Robinson also possesses a minority stake in the Spurs.

He represented the United States in various international competitions, including the 1986 FIBA World Championship, 1987 Pan American Games, 1988 Summer Olympics, 1992 Summer Olympics, and 1996 Summer Olympics.

Remarkably, he secured gold medals in all these tournaments, except for the 1987 Pan American Games, where he earned a silver medal, and the 1988 Summer Olympics, where he achieved a bronze medal.

13. Isiah Thomas

RickDikeman, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Isiah Thomas, an American former professional basketball player, coach, and philanthropist, currently serves as an analyst for NBA TV.

He was initially selected for the 1980 Olympic U.S.A. basketball team, but due to the Olympics boycott, American athletes, including Thomas, did not compete in Moscow.

Instead, boycotting countries participated in the “Gold Medal Series,” a series of games against NBA teams, a French team, and the 1976 Olympic gold medal team in various U.S. cities.

Thomas achieved a 5–1 record, making 22–55 field goals and 14–17 free throws. He led the U.S. in assists with 37, significantly surpassing the next-highest total of 17, while maintaining an average of 9.7 points per game.

Despite his exceptional abilities, Thomas was initially omitted from the original Olympic Dream Team, possibly due to an alleged dispute with Michael Jordan.

He was eventually selected for Dream Team II in the 1994 World Championship of Basketball, but an Achilles tendon injury prevented him from playing, ultimately leading to his retirement.

14. Bill Russell

Here, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Bill Russell, an American basketball player, held the position of center for the Boston Celtics in the NBA from 1956 to 1969. He served as the captain of the 1956 U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team that participated in the 1956 Summer Olympics, taking place in Melbourne, Australia from November to December.

Coached by Gerald Tucker, Russell played a pivotal role in the U.S. national basketball team’s victory, securing the gold medal in Melbourne. They clinched the final game with an impressive 89–55 victory over the Soviet Union national basketball team, maintaining a perfect 8–0 record.

15. Carmelo Anthony

Tim Shelby from Arlington, VA, US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Carmelo Anthony, an American former professional basketball player, enjoyed a lengthy 19-season tenure in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He received ten NBA All-Star nods and was selected to the All-NBA Team six times.

Anthony holds the distinction of representing the US national team in the Olympics a record four times. He obtained a bronze medal with the 2004 squad and garnered gold medals with the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic teams.

16. Jerry West

Malcolm W. Emmons, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Jerry West is an American basketball executive and former player. He had a professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA.

West served as co-captain of the 1960 U.S. Olympic team that clinched the gold medal, and this accomplished squad was collectively inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.

17. Scottie Pippen

Sea Cow, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Scottie Pippen, an American former professional basketball player, enjoyed a 17-season career in the NBA, clinching six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.

On September 21, 1991, he was selected as a member of the United States men’s Olympic basketball team for the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona. That year, Pippen was a key member of the original Dream Team that competed in the Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Their efforts resulted in a gold medal for the U.S., marking Pippen and teammate Michael Jordan as the first players to accomplish both an NBA championship and an Olympic gold medal in the same year. Additionally, Pippen took part in the 1996 squad, often referred to as ‘Dream Team III’.

18. Chris Paul

Tim Shelby from Arlington, VA, US, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chris Paul, an American professional basketball player currently with the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, stands out as one of the finest point guards in the history of the sport.

His accolades are extensive. Paul marked his debut for the United States national team during the 2006 FIBA World Championship held in Japan. Throughout the tournament, he amassed a notable 44 assists, making a substantial contribution to Team USA’s bronze medal triumph.

In the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Paul played a crucial role as a key reserve, notably recording 13 points in the gold medal game against Spain.

The team, alongside the gold medal, achieved a perfect 8–0 record. Paul was subsequently promoted to the starting point guard position for the 2012 Olympics in London.

Here, he maintained an average of 8.2 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, ultimately leading to another gold medal and an undefeated tournament.

19. Chris Bosh

Richard Giles, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Chris Bosh, an American retired professional basketball player, commenced his international journey in 2002 as a part of the 2002 USA Basketball Junior World Championship Qualifying Team, which secured a bronze medal with a 4–1 record.

Following this, in March 2006, after establishing himself in the NBA, Bosh was chosen to join the 2006–2008 United States men’s national basketball team program. He played a crucial role in the team’s pre-World Championship tour, contributing to a flawless 5–0 record.

Then, on June 23, 2008, he received official confirmation of his inclusion in the team for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Throughout the tournament, Bosh served as the primary backup to centre Dwight Howard, and Team USA emerged victorious in all eight games, ultimately securing the gold medal with a victory over Spain in the finals.

20. Jason Kidd

Keith Allison from Owings Mills, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Jason Kidd, currently serving as the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA, is a highly regarded figure in American professional basketball, both as a coach and a former player.

He is widely acknowledged as one of the premier point guards and passers in the history of the sport. Kidd boasts an impressive resume, including 10 NBA All-Star selections, five appearances in the All-NBA First Team, and nine selections to the NBA All-Defensive Team.

Kidd’s initial foray into USA basketball took place after his freshman year in college, where he stood as the lone freshman chosen for Team USA’s 10-member roster.

Subsequently, in 1999, he participated in the USA Olympic Qualifying Tournament, where the team achieved a flawless 10–0 record, securing a gold medal and a berth in the 2000 Olympics.

In 2000, Kidd was named one of Team USA’s tri-captains for the Sydney Olympics. Once again, he played a pivotal role in leading the team to an undefeated 8–0 record, culminating in a gold medal at the Olympic Games.

Kidd also played a vital role in the 2003 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico, guiding the team to yet another perfect 10–0 record, earning both a gold medal and a spot in the 2004 Olympics.

In 2007, Kidd played a crucial role in the success of the FIBA Americas Championship, contributing to the team’s flawless 10–0 record and securing another gold medal, along with a berth in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.

In the 2008 Olympics, the team once again displayed dominance, maintaining an undefeated record and clinching their first gold medal since the 2000 Olympics. In total, Kidd amassed five gold medals as a member of the national team: three from Olympic qualifying tournaments, one from the 2000 Sydney Olympics, and one from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Each player, with their unique style, indomitable spirit, and unwavering commitment, has left an indelible mark on the sport.

As we reflect on their remarkable journeys, it becomes evident that their impact extends far beyond the court. They have not only elevated the game itself but have also inspired generations of aspiring players, instilling a sense of determination and aspiration that transcends the confines of basketball arenas.

Their contributions serve as a beacon, guiding the way for the next generation of players who will carry the torch forward, ensuring that the legacy of the US National Basketball Team remains as vibrant and influential as ever.